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DSP Barau, Alwan’s Allegations and Ramat’s Cul-de-sac

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By Abba Anwar

Deputy Senate President, Distinguished Senator Barau I Jibrin, CFR, is no stranger to political persecution, orchestrated machinations and creation of bamboozled lies against him even before he became DSP of the 10th Assembly.

Few months before the 2023 general election, he met stiff resistance and ploys against his political life and development. Let me cite an example here, there was a time, he brought Hummer Buses alongside smaller vehicles, for distribution to Students’ Union bodies, alongside other associations.

All the vehicles were inscripted with his name, as the person who donated them. They were all parked at Coronation Hall premises, at Kano Government House. To the chagrin of all, he was forced to effect the deletion of his name as the contributor of the vehicles. His name was replaced with another name.

To the surprise of all, during the presentation day of the vehicles, all those who spoke at the occasion didn’t recognize, even his presence, as Senator representing Kano North. Though he didn’t cry profusely then, to display his disappointment, but many of us spotted drops of tears in his both eyes. Naked humiliation and political persecution at play.

Before 2023 election, Barau had to press some buttons from Abuja, before he got the ticket. Not even the ticket, before he got the form for the contest. As Allah made it possible, after he emerged victorious from internal persecution, humiliation and frustration, as the only Senator under the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC) from Kano, as the remaining Senators came from NNPP. He eventually became the Deputy Senate President. As Allah Wishes. That is how Allah Works.

Above are just few out of many persecutions and humiliations Barau got from the same party he belongs to, the APC. There are also lessons to learn from those experiences. Lessons of how Allah Works.

So the recent lies, hues and cries against him over the controversial screening by the Senate, of Engineer Abdullahi Garba Ramat, who was nominated by President Bola Tinubu, to become CEO/Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) are not strange to him. Neither could they derail him from focusing on his political ambition and genuine love for Kano, North and Nigeria as a whole.

Before touching some of the concocted lies against him, let me begin with what Baffa Babba Dan Agundi, the Director General of National Productivity Centre, said over the incident. He reveals how some individuals met him and invited him to join hands with them in discrediting Senator Barau over this screening palaver.

In a 2:54 minutes short video, Dan Agundi said, “I am doing this brief explanation for the people of Kano state. Especially those who feel bad because of the story going round that Senator Barau was responsible for not clearing the nomination of Eng Garba Ramat for the chairmanship of a federal government agency (National Electricity Regulatory Commission).

He continues, “What worries me the most is when some people who know that I am not a supporter of Senator Barau (in his political ambition), came to me and requested me to spearhead rumors, confusion and crisis over the issue….They wanted me to be part of the team aimed at tarnishing his image via allegations and lies.”

Dan Agundi further challenged them that, “I told them clearly that, it is absolutely not in my character to delve into such ploy for character assassination… I know he (Barau) has no hand at all, whatsoever, in stopping Eng Ramat’s screening and clearance.”

As he advised, “People should start asking questions, as to why Ramat was not cleared. Though Senator Barau as DSP is there… Senator Barau is absolutely innocent in the entire matter. I also came to know this later.”

Dan Agundi then warned, “Let me say this categorically clear that, if they dare to go to any other place and present what they came to me with, and I saw an execution of same, I will not hesitate to reveal their names.”

Even if I don’t always share similar political views with Dan Agundi, but I sincerely respect him when he further explained that, “Even if I don’t support Barau, but we still respect one another as human beings. People should understand that, all those things are orchestrated to give Barau a bad name.”

“Similar things were done against him in the past. All I know is, Allah Will not Hold him responsible for what he did not do,” he concluded.

Part of the wild allegations against DSP was that, they said the sum of $10 million exchanged hands. Few hours after the allegations, the Senate had spoken. In the Daily Trust of Friday, 7th November, 2025, it was reported that, “The Senate has denied allegations that its leadership received a $10 million bribe to block the screening and confirmation of Abdullahi Garba Ramat as Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).”

Adding that, “… the Chairman Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti South), described the allegation as baseless and mischievous. And that, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had on October 7, 2025, requested the Senate to confirm Ramat as NERC’s chairman. Tinubu’s request was contained in a letter read during plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.”

When Senator Adaramodu said the following, I now sensed and felt, the end of the road for the nominee. He said, in that Daily Trust report, ” The Senate is statutorily bound to pause consideration of any nominee facing serious public petitions or controversies. Many nominees in the past have been stepped down for similar reasons. Mr. Ramat’s case is no exception.”

I also felt sorry for Eng Ramat and understood that, those spreading rumors against Sen Barau in the name of protecting the appointee, are doing more harm to him (Ramat), as Senate position goes this way that, “No one can drag the National Assembly into disrepute with unfounded claims in an attempt to arm-twist the legislature. We will engage Mr. Alwan in court to provide Nigerians with evidence to support his assertions.”

Another aspect that looks scary is the Senate’s stand that, “Nigerians deserve appointees who pass through rigorous and transparent screening processes, not those who attempt to bully their way into office through falsehood and blackmail,” as said by Senator Adaramodu.

At the hey hours of concocted lies against the Senator, the nominee Eng Ramat distanced himself from all the allegations. When he posted a disclaimer on his Facebook page.

In it he said, “My attention has been drawn to a post circulating online alleging that His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Barau Jibrin, is blocking my confirmation as Chairman NERC. This claim is completely NOT true.”

He dismissed that, “I sincerely appeal to the good people of Kano State and the general public to refrain from sharing or believing such false information. The Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin (DSP), has actually been supportive and has continued to make commendable efforts to ensure that my report, which has already been cleared by the Senate screening committee chaired by Distinguished Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, is presented to the 10th Senate for confirmation.”

As if those chanting political war songs against DSP on Ramat’s screening and clearance, were deaf, dump and blind, with all the disclaimer put forth by the nominee, rejecting all allegations against the Senator, they proceeded deeply in their machinations.

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Engineer Ramat did not relent, he issued another statement for the second time within two days, which he tagged as public statement and posted on his Facebook page again.

In it, he clarified that, “My attention has been drawn to some online publications and public discussions that have attempted to link my name to statements or actions said to be against the Deputy Senate President, His Excellency Senator Barau I. Jibrin, and the President of the Senate, His Excellency Senator Godswill Akpabio, CON (sic).”

He disclosed that, “From the very start of my nomination as Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Senator Barau Jibrin has been a strong pillar of encouragement and support. In fact, he was the first person to call me immediately after my announcement, and has since shown me nothing but goodwill and mentorship.”

To his chagrin Ramat reiterated that, “Let it be known that the very first day I noticed these stories, I posted a clear disclaimer disowning them and personally reached out to several people appealing for calm and restraint. Sadly, instead of easing the tension, those efforts seemed to encourage more of such activities, which I find unnecessary and unfair to everyone involved.”

To officially distance himself from the noise makers he highlighted that, ” I want to make it absolutely clear that I did not authorize any press conference, protest, or public statement by anyone in my name. The only time I spoke officially was during my screening before the Senate Committee, where I defended myself and was successfully cleared.

Those who continue to use my name in this manner are doing so without my knowledge or approval. Their actions do not reflect my views or intentions.”

He was also forced to warn his detractors. He said, “However, if these activities continue, I may be compelled to take appropriate steps through lawful channels to protect my name and integrity.”

In his noise making business, one Alwan Hassan, from Nassarawa local government, one of the remnants of Congress for Progressives Change (CPC), one of the political platforms that, along other political groupings, formed All Progressives Congress (APC), at a press conference he called during the heyhours of the debate, he condemned Senator Barau for being solely responsible for Eng Ramat’s ‘travail.’

To remind my readers, CPC faction of the APC, was the political group that fought Tinubu’s nomination before he got the presidential ticket for the party. It was CPC elements at almost all levels, that fought hard to see the fall of Tinubu during 2023 elections. The same experience was visible in Kano’s gubernatorial election, when His Excellency Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna and His Excellency Murtala Sule Garo, were the flagbearers of the party, in Kano, then.

So in his attack of Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and Deputy Senate President, Barau, this diehard CPC man, Alwan, challenged that, “Ramat’s confirmation has been stalled reportedly due to the actions of the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio Godswill Obot Akpabio and his Deputy, Senator Barau Jibrin. Unfortunately these two men are APC members who in public claim to support the President, but in private work against his decisions.”

Though I don’t even take him serious, neither his self-defeatist approach, in his utterances, his day dreaming goes this way, “It is deeply troubling that, according to credible accounts, this delay is not because Engr Ramat does not merit the job, or is it in the national interest, but rather it is rooted in Senator Barau’s political machinations and personal selfish interests.”

This CPC guy thought he could intimidate Akpabio and Barau, when he ‘warned’ that, “Today, we are calling for Senator Godswill Akpabio and Senator Barau Jibrin to allow due process to prevail. They must refrain from interference, respect the President’s mandate, and stop working against both the party and the interest of Kano citizens.”

I wonder between him and these gentlemen, who is working against Kano and its citizens. This is somebody who was Special Assistant to the then Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, but from the start of his appointment to the end, he has nothing to show for it. As his contributions to his people or community.

In trying to call attention for recognition, not in trying to become relevant, BECAUSE ALWAN CAN NEVER BE RELEVANT IN KANO POLITICS, he goofed and disappointed Eng Ramat. I made reference to what Ramat said above. Also in trying to call attention for recognition again, he made a wild allegation against the Senate and DSP. Which the Senate notified him of their decision to take him to court of law, for him to substantiate his ill-informed and ill-advise utterances against the institution of the Senate.

On an online Dokin Karfe TV short interview, Alwan asked rhetorically, “What has Ramat done to him (Barau)? What Kano people did to him to deserve this? We will not leave this man to become a Governor of Kano.”

I laughed profusely when he said so. This is someone who cannot even win his chapter during elections, not Ward or local government. Hear him boasting they would not allow Senator Barau becomes a Governor in Kano. Laughable, disappointing and dramatic.

Readers should understand that, CPC, is no longer relevant in Tinubu’s administration. He knows how they fought his presidential ambition. And how they frustrated the entire process for him. So, who among CPC elements could now come forward and say he or she is supporting Tinubu’s administration. Too late to cry. I mean at all levels. They don’t actually have any bearing under the current dispensation.

What is so worrying during the press conference he convened was the presence of the former Chairman of Ungogo local government, Hon Muhammad Badaru Umar. One of the strongest pillars in Gawuna circle. The worrying part of it was, I know Badaru for over 20 years back, I have been relating with him since then. I knew him and I still know him as a gentleman, reserved, religious and organized.

Though I believe, had Badaru known what Alwan would spit at the conference, he wouldn’t have been there at all. Because Badaru has never been that low. The way I knew him. Which I’m sure he still maintains that. I also tell people that, Badaru was former Ungogo local chairman as Ramat was. His presence, could also be seen as solidarity to another former chairman of his local government.

But all my excuses and expression of benefit of doubt, cannot exclude other people from seeing Badaru, from the other side of the coin. That some may see and understand him as a representative of Gawuna at the event. I think all people are entitled to their respective opinions.

When Alwan said DSP Barau doesn’t like Kano and its people, I then asked myself, what this guy is saying? All the scholarships for thousands of our people from Kano under Barau Foundation, sponsoring students abroad for their postgraduate studies, the establishment of North West Development Commission, establishment of Federal University of Science and Technology, Kabo, upgrading Federal College of Education, to University (the position removed by Muhammadu Buhari administration) and later reversed by Tinubu administration for the FCE, Kano to become Federal University of Education Kano, as being facilitated by Senator Barau. And the renaming of the University after Yusuf Maitama Sule, Dan Masanin Kano, among others are all not show of love to Kano and her people?

What of DSP’s immense contribution to Security agencies, especially Nigeria Police Force, Kano Command, with operational vehicles and other interventions? Are these all not show of love for Kano? So I don’t comprehend what Alwan means by saying Senator Barau doesn’t like Kano.

I will advise the Distinguished Senator Barau to send emissaries to Alwan, to come and kneel before him, to please and kindly allow Barau to become Kano State governor. Very funny indeed!

For Ramat, he is one of the former local governments APC chairmen, that I respect very much. His credentials are there for him as fine and refined documents. Ramat was the most digitally compliant local government chairman amongst all chairmen from all the 44 local governments in Kano. During their reign. Is someone I salute comfortably for his intellectual capacity and prowess.

For my readers, let us all know that, abuse and castigation of leaders, are not the monopoly of any fellow among us all. These are characters or habits that are not skilful. One needs no skill to master such behaviors. In fact even mad people in the street can engage in these, perfectly well. So it is not something to boast about and raise shoulders for.

Anwar writes from Kano,
Sunday, 9th November, 2025

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Kano Deputy Governorship, My Reiterated Position : My Challenge Against Riffraff

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April 17, 2026

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By Abba Anwar

It very clear to my readers, that I kept quite at the initial stage of the heated debate hovering around our political development in Kano. When Deputy Governor His Excellency, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, resigned from his position few days back.

I kept quite not because I had nothing to contribute to the debate. I was only observing genuine and fake commentators. Those who talk directly from their clean hearts. And those who say one thing before point A and change tone under the same issue before point B.

Before reiterating my position, which was already in the public domain, “Why Hues, Cries Against Garo,” authored April 5th, 2026, let me say this, with all sincerity of purpose, while referring my readers back to what I wrote before now. All the write-ups are still available and can be searched.

What is that I want to say? I am an ardent advocate for unity and cooperation among leaders and followers of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano state. On this particular issue of unity, I am more concerned with Kano than Nigeria as a whole.

Secondly I don’t hide my political feelings all along. My defence are my write-ups. For the simple reason that, I write frequently for His Excellency, Deputy Senate President, Barau I Jibrin, CFR, that doesn’t mean I cannot write something and praise His Excellency, Deputy Gubernatorial Candidate, under APC, in 2023 election, Murtala Sule Garo.

It is double standard if I cannot tell Barau how I respect Garo. And vice versa. Nowhere in the past, when I support any form of divisions among our political leaders. I always called for unity, internal cohesion and coming together for a united front and purpose.

Yes I write more and more for Barau than Garo, but that does not mean I cannot express my political feelings or reasoning, that may not likely be palatable for Barau.

On 5th October, 2024, please go and search, I wrote “Barau’s Political Gamble : Ignoring His Supporters for Kwankwasiyya and NNPP Defectors.” In it I said, “Senator Barau, despite his admirable record of representation and infrastructure projects, seems distracted by these unnecessary political maneuvers. The time spent wooing disloyal members of rival parties would be better utilized in strengthening his political base. He should focus on empowering those who have supported him from the start, especially the youth and grassroots leaders who have been instrumental in his rise.”

As I said the above for Barau, I said this for Garo, in my write – up captioned, “Garo’s Bitter Truth and Kano’s Development,” dated January 5th, 2025, “For the first time, yes first time, in this republic, I mean since the restoration of our democracy from 1999 to date, I came across a prominent politician in Kano, blaming our leading politicians in the state, particularly past governors, over non-challant attitudes towards teaming up for the sake of state development.”

Not only Garo, with all my good write – ups for Barau, I still found it desirable to wrote something and commend Hon Abubakar Kabir Bichi, member representing Bichi federal constituency, at the House of Representatives. Bichi too, is seen by many as a die-hard political opponent for Barau. Go and search my piece titled, “Fateful Triangle : Kano APC’s Stronghold, Kano North,” dated 5th May, 2025.

I don’t hide my political leaning to anybody. Let people know that, with all modesty, I am just above collecting resources from so so person and write bad thing against another person in this race for Deputy Governorship in Kano. I cannot collect any inducement from opponents to write bad about Hon Kabiru Alasan Rurum, or Hon Rabi’u Sulaiman Bichi or HE Garo or Right Honourable Speaker, State House of Assembly, Hon Falgore.

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I cannot do that. And at the same time, I cannot write any bad thing and give to other opponents to write someone’s name. I don’t do that! Man, I am above that! When I believe in something, I dont hide.

LET ME PUT MY CHALLENGE FORWARD, WHOEVER KNOWS THAT SO SO PERSON GAVE ME SOMETHING AND I WROTE A SINGLE LINE EVEN, OR A PARAGRAPH, OR A COMPLETE ARTICLE AND GAVE IT TO ANOTHER PERSON’S OPPONENT TO PUT A PEN NAME, NOT MY NAME, AND USE IT AGAINST SOMEONE, WHOEVER KNOWS THIS AND KEEPS QUITE MAY ALLAH CURSE HIS LIFE COMPLETELY. LET HIM COME FORWARD WITH HIS EVIDENCE PLEASE AND MAKE IT PUBLIC. AND IF I DID THAT AND NOW SAID I DIDN’T DO, MAY ALLAH, OUR CREATOR, CURSE MY LIFE COMPLETELY TOO!!! AND WHOEVER GAVE ME A PENNY TO DO THAT AND KEEPS QUITE, MAY ALLAH CURSE HIM TOO!!!

Whenever I write something, I own it, no matter what. Let me give an example here, yes I worked under His Excellency, former Governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, CON, as his Chief Press Secretary, for six good years, but few months back during Tsanyawa /Kunchi and Bagwai/Shanono by-elections, after the declaration of the results by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), what I saw was nothing to write home about. Not impressive at all.

I immediately picked my pen and wrote an article, captioned, “Kano By-election : The Beginning of an End Era,” dated 17th August, 2025, in it, I called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, that he should review his political appointees who came from there, Kano North and immediately remove those who cannot perform as his good Ambassadors. I gave an example with the son of my boss, Engineer Abba Ganduje. I didn’t use any other name. I wrote it, I owned it and it was published and widely circulated. Please go and check.

The piece partly says, “To Allah Who Created me from nothing, if sadism, treachery and unnecessary political confrontation continue to take lead in our political relationship, especially among our leaders, APC is going nowhere in Kano. Even if it is leading Africa not Nigeria. Kano is known for its radical political engagement. I suggest President Tinubu should, I can’t say must – being a President – hastily look inward in Kano’s appointments and make necessary modifications.

For example, looking at the Kano North, where APC lost in this by-election, what is the use and relevance of appointments like that of Eng Umar Abdullahi Umar (Abba Ganduje) among other irrelevant appointments? What is the wisdom behind dropping people like Murtala Garo from the zone? What is the wisdom behind the unnecessary face-off between our elected people from the zone? What for?!”

When I wrote another article, where I blamed APC leadership in Kano for distraction and destruction, who gave me penny? And whose name was there as the author? The piece is titled, “Kano APC in Discombobulation : As Ploys Against DSP Barau Thickens,” dated December 15th, 2025. So I am beyond that, with all sense of modesty.

My position for Deputy Governorship, as I said very clearly in my recent write-up, captioned, “Why Hues, Cries Against Garo,” dated April, 5th, 2026, is Garo. I spoke out my reasons for his choice. My reader can kindly go and search.

In it I said, “And the way I see it, Garo is not desperate about it. He isn’t so desperate to become a Deputy Governor. My view, I stand to be corrected. As it is now, former Governors and former Deputy Governors, are still benefiting from him, from many standpoints.

Garo, unlike former Deputy Governor and Gubernatorial candidate under the platform of APC in 2023 election, His Excellency Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, who after he lost 2023 election was appointed, Chairman Governing Board, Bayero University, Kano and Chairman Board of Directors of Mortgage Bank, exited from APC recently to African Democratic Congress (ADC), in search of more political breathing space, Garo remains in the party without any appointment, whatsoever.

All along, nowhere was it reported that Garo was castigating the party at either state or national level. Now a vacancy arises, and the space is naturally available without any effort from anybody. Who then is in the best position to be compensated? If not Garo, who?”

When the write – up was published, Barau didn’t rise an eyebrow about it. In fact I sent him the links of all the online platforms that published the piece. The same way as, whenever I wrote something about Barau, Garo was one of the first people I send my write-ups to. Even for once, Garo never complained about it. And he didn’t change mood when we meet. I still believe misunderstanding between Barau and Garo or between Barau and Abban Bichi or between Garo and former State Party Chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, or between any other leader or their followers, is not necessary please. All the leaders need each other. They believe it or not.

Anwar writes from Kano
Friday 17th April, 2026

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A Glimpse into the Politics of Distinguished Senator Abdul’aziz Yari Abubakar, Marafan Sokoto

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April 17, 2026

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By Ahmad Musa Jega

 

In his political history, he stands out as one of the prominent politicians from Northwestern Nigeria who has never changed his political party. No matter the challenges or hardships, he has never betrayed his party through conspiracies or divisions.

Everyone knows the difficulties and challenges he endured between 2019 and 2022. There is hardly any political challenge in the world that Distinguished Senator Abdul’aziz Yari Abubakar (Marafan Sokoto) has not faced. One could even say that only his life was spared, yet despite all this, he never abandoned his party, the APC.

– ANPP Zamfara State Secretary, 2003–2004
– ANPP Zamfara State Chairman, 2004–2006
– Member, House of Representatives (Anka–Talata Mafara Federal Constituency), 2007–2011
– ANPP Acting National Treasurer
– Governor of Zamfara State, 2011–2019
– Chairman, Nigerian Governors’ Forum, 2014–2019
– Distinguished Senator representing Zamfara West Senatorial District, 2023–present

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Distinguished (Marafan Sokoto) is the only politician in the Northwest who has kept politics within its boundaries, friendships within their boundaries, and has never allowed party differences to affect his friendships.

Examples:
1. Senator (Dr.) Aliyu Magatakarda Wamako (Sarkin Yamman Sokoto), his mentor and a leader in Northern politics.
2. Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, his friend and confidant, despite the political weight of Sokoto State, he has never allowed politics to break their bond.

Distinguished (Marafan Sokoto), no matter how great his political ambitions, never allows them to cause anyone to lose their position or status just to satisfy his own needs.

Examples:
1. In 2023, when he and Minister Hon. (Dr.) Bello Muhammad Matawalle were in APC, there was a proposal to dissolve the Zamfara State Executive Council and redistribute positions. He opposed it, insisting everyone should keep their seats until after the 2023 elections.
2. In 2023, there was a proposal to restructure APC leadership in Zamfara State. He refused, saying everyone should retain their positions, while he and Minister Matawalle would maintain their own structures.
3. In 2023, during the sharing of political candidacies in his constituency (Talata Mafara 1), even though he had more qualified candidates, he allowed Hon. Shamsuddeen Hassan Basko (aligned with Minister Matawalle) to retain his seat. After winning, Basko defected to PDP, yet Distinguished (Marafan Sokoto) did not retaliate.

Distinguished (Marafan Sokoto), if he knows you through a friend or close associate, but later you return without that connection, he will not deal with you until you reconnect through the same channel.

In conclusion, in Nigerian politics, Distinguished Senator Abdul’aziz Yari Abubakar (Marafan Sokoto) does not betray, does not slander, does not conspire against anyone, and does not sow division.

We pray to Allah (SWT) to continue guiding (Marafan Sokoto) on the right path, grant him health, wealth, and honor, and bless Zamfara State and the entire Northern Nigeria with peace, for the sake of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

 

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Tarauni 2027 : How Hon Hafizu Kawu Stabilizes Political Competition

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April 16, 2026

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By Abba Anwar

While some cowards, political appointees in federal government’s positions, refused to resign from their offices, in anticipation of their political careers against 2027 general elections, former member of the House of Representatives, from Tarauni federal constituency, Hon Hafizu Kawu (OON), (mni), did not resign for two or three fundamental reasons. He has never been a coward before now.

First and foremost, he refused to resign, because, his resignation would hit hard at Kano state. In his current position, he is representing North-West geopolitical zone. National Commissioner (Technical), at National Pension Commission (PENCOM). So when he resigns, Kano state would definitely be at the receiving end. Because there is no assurance that the position would be maintained in Kano. His love for his state supercedes other personal interests.

After his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, effective August 7, 2025, confirmation by the Senate and inauguration as part of the PENCOM Board, by the Secretary to the Federal Government, he promised to work tirelessly, to advance PENCOM’s objectives, strengthen pension administration, and safeguard the welfare of retirees across Nigeria.

As the position of Kawu was seen by many as portrayal of a good Ambassador from Kano, it is also understood as part of President Tinubu’s strategy to reposition key federal agencies for improved efficiency, making youth at the centrestage. With the confidence reposed in Kawu by Tinubu, his presence there, at the Commission, is highly needed and desirable. Not only by Kano people, but by all North-West people. Across our seven states.

No strange to federal positions and appointments, Kawu was Member, House of Representatives for Tarauni Federal Constituency, Kano (2019–2023), on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC). He served as Special Assistant to former Vice President, Prof, Yemi Osinbajo, GCON, (2015–2019). For national recognition and honour, he is the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), conferred in 2022. Kawu is Member, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, (mni), Kuru, Near Jos. A university graduate, with many certifications.

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The second reason why he didn’t resign is, yes he has all it takes to contest for the position, but his special interest in the party unity, genuine membership cohesion and leadership honest consolidation, partly inform his decision not to contest. As some may argue that, his popularity, grip to the grassroot and political strength, are placed above other aspirants. With all the qualities, with all his pedigree and with the development he brought to his constituency, when he was a member, he quietly removed himself from the potential contestants.

Honourable Kawu’s strength and influence among the electorate, make him a focused political icon and juggernaut in Tarauni. As people look up to him, seeking for political direction come 2027. Though he is not contesting, he still has the power to do and undo in his primary constituency, at least. Or rather at best.

Apart from the incumbent member, the major contender for this position, is Hon Aminu Bala Ja’oji. Who recently resigned as Senior Special Assistant to the President, on Citizenship and Leadership. While he too, is another political king in his own right, his major obstacle is, the refusal of some notable politicians from Tarauni to support his ambition.

I was able to eavesdrop that, Ja’oji’s major political opponents are ganging up against him. As there was insinuation, which is yet to be ascertain that, he would get an automatic ticket. Automatic ticket could be possible and accepted in some federal constituencies in Kano, but in Tarauni, it could be vanity upon vanity.

With the undisputed influence and strength of Kawu in Tarauni politics, a possibility of dark horse is not penciled down. I learned that, some have started coming up with new strategies, new possibilities, new engagements, new interested minds and new normal. Whether true or false, Kawu may not support the candidature of Ja’oji.

Regardless of the arrangement, Kawu’s non-participation in the process as a contestant, will prove further, to all, who between him, Ja’oji and the incumbent [I don’t know if he is in APC or not] commands more respect from the party leadership and followership. If Tarauni is having parallel leadership structures, then the tug-of-war will be more interesting to watch from a distance.

For healthier, clearer and more interesting political competition, for the 2027 Tarauni election, some may suggest that Kawu should not aid Ja’oji get the ticket. And Ja’oji shouldn’t aid Kawu’s preferred aspirant, to get the ticket, during the nomination process. But when any of them gets it, then political alignment and realignment is quite normal and proper. The choice is theirs!

While in some federal constituencies, automatic ticket means peace, harmony, genuine consensus and sign of victory, in Tarauni federal constituency, automatic ticket means disaster, danger and self-defeat. Examples of where automatic ticket means peace, harmony and strategy, are Dala, Tudunwada/Doguwa, Bichi, Municipal, federal constituencies among others.

This piece is not interested in discussing Senatorial of Gubernatorial positions. Or State House of Assembly positions. The context is limited only to federal constituencies; House of Representatives.

Anwar writes from Kano
Thursday, 16th April, 2026

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